Senator Lindsey Graham has threatened potential US retaliation against Türkiye for its actions in Syria.
Senator Lindsey Graham, a staunch Trump ally, has warned of potential sanctions against Türkiye if it attacks the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). He contends that such attacks would benefit ISIS and harm US interests.
The SDF, primarily composed of Kurdish groups, reported Turkish artillery and drone strikes over the weekend.
Al Mayadeen reported that, according to the SDF, clashes occurred between Turkish-backed forces and Kurdish-led troops near Manbij.
Reports indicate that the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) has seized Manbij, with the SDF withdrawing. Turkish media attribute this to operations against Kurdish militias Ankara considers terrorist groups.
Graham stated on X that the US must prevent threats to Kurdish forces, crucial in the fight against ISIS under the Trump administration, from Türkiye or Syrian extremists.
He emphasized the need to prevent the release of approximately 50,000 ISIS prisoners held in northeastern Syria by Kurdish forces.
Graham acknowledged Türkiye’s security concerns regarding groups in northeastern Syria, but stressed that an ISIS prison break would be catastrophic for the US.
While Türkiye deserves a demilitarized buffer zone for its protection, military action against Kurdish forces would severely damage US interests.
Graham reiterated his willingness to reintroduce bipartisan sanctions against Türkiye if it attacks Kurdish forces.
Recent events saw a coalition of opposition forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), seize Damascus and overthrow President Assad. This shift allowed the SDF to expand its control in eastern Syria.
The US supported the SDF against government forces and ISIS but did not intervene when the Turkish army targeted Kurdish forces in previous cross-border operations.